Fly-in Rustic Tundra Lodge Polar Bear Viewing
4-7 days
Cape Tatnum Wildlife Management Area, located on the Hudson Bay coast is home to Manitoba’s largest population of Polar Bears. The lodge lies in the path of migrating Polar Bears and is accessible to small groups only by air.
Originally built to accommodate Inuit Goose Hunters, the accommodation has received many upgrades in recent years. In its present incarnation it hosts conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts keen to get up close with a Polar Bear.
To reach the lodge visitors fly over the Northern Taiga Forest, following the Nelson River to the coastal plain of Hudson Bay. Keep an eye below for York Factory the original Hudson Bay Company post. The mouth of the Nelson and Hays River is home to hundreds of Beluga whale.
This is a unique program as guests routinely observe polar bears at close quarters. During the summer it is common to record upwards of 400 bear sightings as they pass the lodge.
The remote location and the ATV access enables viewing of Polar Bears in their natural habitat. The Polar Bear’s behavior is unaffected due to the unobtrusive human presence. Photographs are often possible from inside the 8 foot high Buffalo fence. Bears may be as close as 3 feet away.
Originally built to accommodate Inuit Goose Hunters, the accommodation has received many upgrades in recent years. In its present incarnation it hosts conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts keen to get up close with a Polar Bear.
To reach the lodge visitors fly over the Northern Taiga Forest, following the Nelson River to the coastal plain of Hudson Bay. Keep an eye below for York Factory the original Hudson Bay Company post. The mouth of the Nelson and Hays River is home to hundreds of Beluga whale.
This is a unique program as guests routinely observe polar bears at close quarters. During the summer it is common to record upwards of 400 bear sightings as they pass the lodge.
The remote location and the ATV access enables viewing of Polar Bears in their natural habitat. The Polar Bear’s behavior is unaffected due to the unobtrusive human presence. Photographs are often possible from inside the 8 foot high Buffalo fence. Bears may be as close as 3 feet away.
Outline
Arrive Gillam
3- 6 nights at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge depending on package
Arrive Gillam
3- 6 nights at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge depending on package
ITINERARY
This is a sample itinerary for the 5 day tour, please contact us for a full breakdown of all durations.
Day 1 - Lodge Arrival
Flights from Winnipeg arrive in Gillam,Manitoba via Calm Air (Air Canada northern partner)in the morning . Transfer to a private Charter, and depart for Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge arriving at around lunch time. The 45 minute flight provides good opportunities for aerial photography. During lunch listen to an introduction to the lodge program.
The afternoon is spent by taking an interpretive walk on inland Palsa Bogs, Eskers, Tundra Ponds and Taiga Forest.
Supper is served at 6:00 p.m. and is followed by an evening talk and video presentation. On clear nights there is the possibility of viewing the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).
Day 2
After a hearty breakfast set out on an ATV coastal tour to explore tidal flats and the Hudson Bay shoreline. Keep an eye out for Polar Bears as the tour ventures up to 8 miles out of camp. Stop to explore the historic beached vessel "Mooswa", where tea and lunch is served around the campfire.
If you prefer remain at the lodge and photograph bears that often visit the fence at this time of the year. On some days up to 5 bears have been sighted just beyond the the sturdy fence.
Supper is served at 6:00 p.m. and followed by an evening slide presentation "Arctic Wildlife and Northern Lights".
Day 3
Your Polar Bear photo shoots depart at 9.00 a.m., get close up to the Polar Bear in his natural habitat. Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge is a very unique location with near 100% opportunity to photograph and to observe the King of the Tundra. Many Sows with Cubs are spotted during this tour, making this an unforgettable experience.
Return to the lodge where lunch is served. relax in the afternoon and immerse yourself in the ambiance of the arctic environment. Supper served at 6:00 p.m., on clear nights head outside to view the spectacle of the Aurora Borealis after dark.
Day 4
Today's full day photo tour explores the abundant wildlife and the unique landscape of river deltas and coastal eskers that form the Coastal Hudson Bay. there are opportunities for photography of Polar Bears and other local wildlife, such as waterfowl and moose. Tea is boiled and lunch is prepared around the campfire. The group returns to the lodge in the late afternoon ready for supper. Relax after dinner and enjoy the Video presentation : “Traditional Lifestyles of the North".
Day 5
After breakfast capture a few last last minute photo's before packing your gear and preparing to head home. The private charter for Gillam takes off mid-afternoon, snatch a few final glimpses of the arctic tundra from high above and add a few aerial shots to your collection of great memories.
Return flight to Winnipeg.
This is a sample itinerary for the 5 day tour, please contact us for a full breakdown of all durations.
Day 1 - Lodge Arrival
Flights from Winnipeg arrive in Gillam,Manitoba via Calm Air (Air Canada northern partner)in the morning . Transfer to a private Charter, and depart for Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge arriving at around lunch time. The 45 minute flight provides good opportunities for aerial photography. During lunch listen to an introduction to the lodge program.
The afternoon is spent by taking an interpretive walk on inland Palsa Bogs, Eskers, Tundra Ponds and Taiga Forest.
Supper is served at 6:00 p.m. and is followed by an evening talk and video presentation. On clear nights there is the possibility of viewing the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).
Day 2
After a hearty breakfast set out on an ATV coastal tour to explore tidal flats and the Hudson Bay shoreline. Keep an eye out for Polar Bears as the tour ventures up to 8 miles out of camp. Stop to explore the historic beached vessel "Mooswa", where tea and lunch is served around the campfire.
If you prefer remain at the lodge and photograph bears that often visit the fence at this time of the year. On some days up to 5 bears have been sighted just beyond the the sturdy fence.
Supper is served at 6:00 p.m. and followed by an evening slide presentation "Arctic Wildlife and Northern Lights".
Day 3
Your Polar Bear photo shoots depart at 9.00 a.m., get close up to the Polar Bear in his natural habitat. Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge is a very unique location with near 100% opportunity to photograph and to observe the King of the Tundra. Many Sows with Cubs are spotted during this tour, making this an unforgettable experience.
Return to the lodge where lunch is served. relax in the afternoon and immerse yourself in the ambiance of the arctic environment. Supper served at 6:00 p.m., on clear nights head outside to view the spectacle of the Aurora Borealis after dark.
Day 4
Today's full day photo tour explores the abundant wildlife and the unique landscape of river deltas and coastal eskers that form the Coastal Hudson Bay. there are opportunities for photography of Polar Bears and other local wildlife, such as waterfowl and moose. Tea is boiled and lunch is prepared around the campfire. The group returns to the lodge in the late afternoon ready for supper. Relax after dinner and enjoy the Video presentation : “Traditional Lifestyles of the North".
Day 5
After breakfast capture a few last last minute photo's before packing your gear and preparing to head home. The private charter for Gillam takes off mid-afternoon, snatch a few final glimpses of the arctic tundra from high above and add a few aerial shots to your collection of great memories.
Return flight to Winnipeg.
Accommodation
Shared rustic tundra lodge
Shared rustic tundra lodge
Trip Highlights
Close-up polar bear encounters
Tranquil wilderness location
Interpretive tundra walks
Aurora Borealis viewing
Evening presentations
ATV ground tours
Lovingly prepared meals
Request A Booking
Reserving Your Trip Is Easy
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Call us toll free
1 800 667 4744 (US/Can)
0 800 917 5924 (UK)
1 800 992 872 (Aus.)
Office hours:
M-F, 6am - 6pm Pacific Time.
Sat 10am - 4pm.
A personal trip advisor will help you book your perfect trip.
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Reserve Online using the form at left.
We will contact you as quickly as we can and you will not be under any obligation until after we have confirmed all details with you.
At that time a US$500 per person deposit is payable and you will be subject to our usual terms and conditions.
Reserve your spot without obligation for 48 hours. Our consultants will contact you to confirm details before you pay a deposit.
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2008 Departure Dates
4 Days
Aug 18 - 21
5 Days
Aug 21 - 25
Aug 23 – 27
Sep 20 - 24
Sep 24 - 28
6 Days
Aug 25 - 31
Sep 15 -20
7 Days
Aug 21 - 27 (Photo specialist also available- contact us for details)
4 Days
Aug 18 - 21
5 Days
Aug 21 - 25
Aug 23 – 27
Sep 20 - 24
Sep 24 - 28
6 Days
Aug 25 - 31
Sep 15 -20
7 Days
Aug 21 - 27 (Photo specialist also available- contact us for details)
| 4 Day | USD$ | CAD$ |
| Aug 18 to Aug 21 | 2,611 | 2,950 |
| 5 Day | USD$ | CAD$ |
| Aug 21 to Sep 24 | 2,920 | 3,300 |
| 6 Day | USD$ | CAD$ |
| Aug 25 to Sep 15 | 3,097 | 3,500 |
| 7 Day | USD$ | CAD$ |
| Aug 21 to Aug 27 | 3,447 | 3,895 |
